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Never Landing
Everett Bailey loves his job. No, really.
Well, he loves the idea of his job. It’s just that the reality of marketing isn’t a creative joy, it’s a soul-crushing corporate rat race. His boss keeps taking credit for his work, and his coworkers couldn’t be less sympathetic if they tried.
When he’s forced to use his vacation days or lose them, he visits the town he grew up in to check in on his grandparents’ old house. Just because he has time off doesn’t mean he has to waste it with cocktails and poolside relaxation. He arrives in Cider Landing, and all he can see is his lost childhood. Even more strange, he keeps seeing his first love, Peter, everywhere he looks.
Before long, though, he realizes that he’s not glimpsing his past, but a second chance to learn to fly . . .
Never Landing is a coming-of-age Peter Pan retelling that grapples with the trials of adult hood and the ache of missed opportunities. It was originally published on our Patreon page.
Well, he loves the idea of his job. It’s just that the reality of marketing isn’t a creative joy, it’s a soul-crushing corporate rat race. His boss keeps taking credit for his work, and his coworkers couldn’t be less sympathetic if they tried.
When he’s forced to use his vacation days or lose them, he visits the town he grew up in to check in on his grandparents’ old house. Just because he has time off doesn’t mean he has to waste it with cocktails and poolside relaxation. He arrives in Cider Landing, and all he can see is his lost childhood. Even more strange, he keeps seeing his first love, Peter, everywhere he looks.
Before long, though, he realizes that he’s not glimpsing his past, but a second chance to learn to fly . . .
Never Landing is a coming-of-age Peter Pan retelling that grapples with the trials of adult hood and the ache of missed opportunities. It was originally published on our Patreon page.
187 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2025
62 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 4, 2025
This was such a sweet heartwarming story, and a different vibe to what I'm used to from Burns.
I enjoyed the romance, but my favourite part was watching Everett take back control of his life and stand up for himself. It was a light-hearted and magical treat.
I enjoyed the romance, but my favourite part was watching Everett take back control of his life and stand up for himself. It was a light-hearted and magical treat.
March 2, 2025
This is exactly the story I needed right now. I read it in one sitting. Low angst, feel good, with a touch of magic as Peter and Everett find each other again. *le sigh*
March 17, 2025
4.5 stars - rtc
March 21, 2025
Good Peter pan retelling, very enjoyable
April 5, 2025
Never Landing is a Peter Pan retelling. The story is about Everett and Peter. Everett is forced to use his vacation time or he'll lose it so he goes to his home town. He keeps seeing his first love Peter everywhere. I loved these two so much and seeing Cider Landing again was fun. I loved the book Never Darling and seeing how they tied in to this book. Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes are an amazing author duo and I look forward to whatever they write next. If you get the audio narration, Greg Boudreaux does an amazing job of narrating this series. He makes the change in characters seamlessly. I would definitely recommend this book.
April 8, 2025
4.5 stars - Never Landing is a story of growth and finding a place in the world. There were so many poignant moments in this story that made me tear up! I adored Peter and Everett as well as the lost ones. While the events in this book take place before Never Darling, you really must read that book first as this contains some mild spoilers for it. On the whole, a light easy read with a touch of magic!
March 6, 2025
What to expect; Magic, fairies, friends to lovers, getting reacquainted with a long lost friend, kids being lost, and so much love!
Everett and Peter's story is one that's unlike any other, their relationship is different than others but that doesn't take away the bond they have with each other.
Both of these men were best friends as kids but life took Everett away from Peter and he grew up and lived his life.. Whereas Peter didn't, he was stuck in the forest slightly grown but no longer a kid. Life finally brought Everett back to Peter but things aren't as easy or as happy as Peter thought their reunion would be. They have a lot to discuss, catch up on, and work through.
Slowly overtime these two men get reacquainted, and continue to learn new and exciting things about each other. And along the way they realize that their connection is way more than platonic friendship.
I thought this was a very sweet, unique and fun read. It was really nice seeing these two men reunite with each other and pick up where they left off, mostly anyway. I liked that both characters grew and evolved throughout the story, Everett stood up for himself and rediscovered his true passion. And Peter found out what he can do with his magic and how he can use that to help others.
I appreciated how this wasn't an insta-love story, I liked that Everett and Peter took things slowly. Granted Peter didn't love that Everett wanted to go slow, but given the circumstances it just made sense for things between them to go at a slower pace. The scenes where they made cookies and cakes for the other lost kids was so cute! Even though Everett didn't love the fact that there were lost kids in the forest, he still cared for each and every one of them because of them being Peter's friends.
Overall a great read!
Everett and Peter's story is one that's unlike any other, their relationship is different than others but that doesn't take away the bond they have with each other.
Both of these men were best friends as kids but life took Everett away from Peter and he grew up and lived his life.. Whereas Peter didn't, he was stuck in the forest slightly grown but no longer a kid. Life finally brought Everett back to Peter but things aren't as easy or as happy as Peter thought their reunion would be. They have a lot to discuss, catch up on, and work through.
Slowly overtime these two men get reacquainted, and continue to learn new and exciting things about each other. And along the way they realize that their connection is way more than platonic friendship.
I thought this was a very sweet, unique and fun read. It was really nice seeing these two men reunite with each other and pick up where they left off, mostly anyway. I liked that both characters grew and evolved throughout the story, Everett stood up for himself and rediscovered his true passion. And Peter found out what he can do with his magic and how he can use that to help others.
I appreciated how this wasn't an insta-love story, I liked that Everett and Peter took things slowly. Granted Peter didn't love that Everett wanted to go slow, but given the circumstances it just made sense for things between them to go at a slower pace. The scenes where they made cookies and cakes for the other lost kids was so cute! Even though Everett didn't love the fact that there were lost kids in the forest, he still cared for each and every one of them because of them being Peter's friends.
Overall a great read!
March 7, 2025
Since GR and Kindle don’t want to play nice today, here’s the best quote from the whole book for you to enjoy and obsess over with me: ”I didn’t know how to tell him that my world only turned when I could hold his hand.” Fuck. I mean, I’m fine, it’s just my heart is a pile of sappy, ridiculous mush now, no big.
I think the only thing that I didn’t understand was why the last chapter was from Never Darling, but I mean maybe I’m just not smart enough to piece together the reason. This is me, so like, that’s the most obvious answer.
Other than that little blip in my brain, it was literally perfect. Perfect on a level I don’t have words to describe. It was the exact right amount of sweet, intense, light, emotional… every detail was perfectly placed and crafted to be so much more than a retelling/reselling of the original.
It was absolutely beautiful and I loved it. Simple in its complexity, deep without being fathomless, and no twelve books of filler and convolutions needed, just one perfect one to rule them all—or, at the very least, make a fair lot of others pale in comparison in less than 200 pages. An instant classic. Peter and Everett are everything. I want more of the AU and the stories from the folx that exist within it.
5/5. I don’t agree that this is their best book ever, but that’s because I know I’ll say the same when I read the next one, and the next. I have an unhealthy attachment to these authors and the fantastic worlds and people they dream into reality, and I’m not going to apologise for it.
I think the only thing that I didn’t understand was why the last chapter was from Never Darling, but I mean maybe I’m just not smart enough to piece together the reason. This is me, so like, that’s the most obvious answer.
Other than that little blip in my brain, it was literally perfect. Perfect on a level I don’t have words to describe. It was the exact right amount of sweet, intense, light, emotional… every detail was perfectly placed and crafted to be so much more than a retelling/reselling of the original.
It was absolutely beautiful and I loved it. Simple in its complexity, deep without being fathomless, and no twelve books of filler and convolutions needed, just one perfect one to rule them all—or, at the very least, make a fair lot of others pale in comparison in less than 200 pages. An instant classic. Peter and Everett are everything. I want more of the AU and the stories from the folx that exist within it.
5/5. I don’t agree that this is their best book ever, but that’s because I know I’ll say the same when I read the next one, and the next. I have an unhealthy attachment to these authors and the fantastic worlds and people they dream into reality, and I’m not going to apologise for it.
March 31, 2025
Everett and Peter were both very lovable characters and there were quite some "awe" moments in their story. Their connection felt genuine and how Everett approached their growing feelings and budding relationship was appropriate given the circumstances. There also is just something about small town romance that pulls on your heart strings. Everyone knows anyone and their dog.
The only niggle I had with the story really was the ending. The "epilogue" so to speak. I think I might have missed something while reading or should have read Never Darling first or something. The last chapter was all about Mattias and Connor. Who are they you ask? Well, they are the protagonists in the before mentioned book Never Darling. So the heart warming scene in this one with them proposing to one another - completely missed the mark... because... who are you? Would have been so much better hinting at their book by them being invited to the BBQ or cookout in Summer and them falling to their knees crying when seeing the little child they lost to the forest or something. This would have made me want to pick up their book immediately. But a random scene in a random house between random characters I do not know left me rather unaffected.
The only niggle I had with the story really was the ending. The "epilogue" so to speak. I think I might have missed something while reading or should have read Never Darling first or something. The last chapter was all about Mattias and Connor. Who are they you ask? Well, they are the protagonists in the before mentioned book Never Darling. So the heart warming scene in this one with them proposing to one another - completely missed the mark... because... who are you? Would have been so much better hinting at their book by them being invited to the BBQ or cookout in Summer and them falling to their knees crying when seeing the little child they lost to the forest or something. This would have made me want to pick up their book immediately. But a random scene in a random house between random characters I do not know left me rather unaffected.
March 15, 2025
This is an original, sweet, low angst story with an intriguing premise, a new take on Peter Pan. Lost kids, i.e. kids taken by the fae, are living elongated lives in the forest near Cider Landing. Peter was the first child taken, and he finally decides it's time to leave the forest when his good friend Everett returns to Cider Landing after 15 years. Everett has had enough of his boss walking all over him, so he takes the vacation time owing to him and goes to stay at the house he got from his grandmother. You can imagine his shock when he sees his friend Peter still looking like a kid. I love how they take it slow and get to know one another as they both seem to grow up together, and Peter's magic is cool. It's also interesting how the lost kids get integrated into Cider Landing, both the kids still living in the forest and the ones who have decided to leave it. The writing and world building are excellent and the ending of Peter and Everett's story leaves you feeling good.
The epigraph felt somewhat discordant to me. I didn't understand it (I didn't read Never Darling), and it felt out of place. However, reading that book is now my next project.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The epigraph felt somewhat discordant to me. I didn't understand it (I didn't read Never Darling), and it felt out of place. However, reading that book is now my next project.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 25, 2025
I loved this story and read it in one sitting as I didn’t want to put it down. Although it isn’t listed as part of a series, it’s linked to Never Darling with characters in common and the epilogue will make more sense if you’ve read that first.
I was intrigued by Everett and Peter when I read Never Darling, and loved this retelling of Peter Pan, and the exploration of what happens when the lost children return to the real world. Although Peter is a ‘lost boy’, Everett is just as lost in his own way. I liked how they find each other again, and need to leave their childhoods behind in order to look forward to their future together. I also liked that Everett is concerned about any potential imbalance between them given Peter’s situation, and how that is resolved.
I enjoyed seeing characters from the earlier book from a different perspective, and Peter reconnecting with friends who left the woods years ago and are now much older. The role his family plays is brilliant. I love how everything connects, and that the issues of forging a new life are explored.
I liked that Connor and Matthias get their HEA too, although it did feel a little tacked on to this story as they hadn’t appeared in it up to that point.
I was intrigued by Everett and Peter when I read Never Darling, and loved this retelling of Peter Pan, and the exploration of what happens when the lost children return to the real world. Although Peter is a ‘lost boy’, Everett is just as lost in his own way. I liked how they find each other again, and need to leave their childhoods behind in order to look forward to their future together. I also liked that Everett is concerned about any potential imbalance between them given Peter’s situation, and how that is resolved.
I enjoyed seeing characters from the earlier book from a different perspective, and Peter reconnecting with friends who left the woods years ago and are now much older. The role his family plays is brilliant. I love how everything connects, and that the issues of forging a new life are explored.
I liked that Connor and Matthias get their HEA too, although it did feel a little tacked on to this story as they hadn’t appeared in it up to that point.
March 12, 2025
This was a very sweet story between Emmett and Peter. Peter was Emmett's friend when we spent his time at his grandmother's house in Cider Landing. After moving away, and being disillusioned at work, Emmett decides to head back to his grandmother's house. This one lines up pretty well with Never Darling, though I do recommend reading Never Darling first since this one is a little spoilery for that story. The heat in this one is slow and a bit light. I think it compliments the story about a lost boy finding himself, which really could be applied to either one of the main characters. We do get to see a bit more of the other lost children in here and I'm curious as to a few of their stories. It would be fun to see if any other stories come out of Cider Landing.
The one thing that kind of threw me for a loop was the epilogue. It was from a main character in Never Darling and didn't quite seem to fit. We do get to see Emmett and Peter a bit more settled which I really enjoyed. This is a fun read and not terribly heavy if you're looking for a bit of escapism.
The one thing that kind of threw me for a loop was the epilogue. It was from a main character in Never Darling and didn't quite seem to fit. We do get to see Emmett and Peter a bit more settled which I really enjoyed. This is a fun read and not terribly heavy if you're looking for a bit of escapism.
December 15, 2025
I didn’t expect it to hurt like this. This was supposed to be a light read for me, and it kind of was eventually, but first it slapped me in the face with all these emotions. Don’t get me wrong; that’s what elevated this to the next level for me. I just didn’t see it coming.
Greg Boudreaux’s narration was truly stunning in this, he outperformed every expectation I had. The sheer vulnerability and emotion in his voice for Peter was what had me in tears for half the book. It’s no exaggeration to say that it floored me, and this from someone who already loved Greg’s work before. This was a new side from him that I want to see more of.
I really enjoyed this. My favorite was the portrayal of Peter, how he struggled with his new feelings but still retained his joy for life. It was so beautiful. I love that he and Everett had their happily ever after. I’m already looking forward to reading it again in the future.
Greg Boudreaux’s narration was truly stunning in this, he outperformed every expectation I had. The sheer vulnerability and emotion in his voice for Peter was what had me in tears for half the book. It’s no exaggeration to say that it floored me, and this from someone who already loved Greg’s work before. This was a new side from him that I want to see more of.
I really enjoyed this. My favorite was the portrayal of Peter, how he struggled with his new feelings but still retained his joy for life. It was so beautiful. I love that he and Everett had their happily ever after. I’m already looking forward to reading it again in the future.
May 30, 2025
4.75 stars
I cried at this more times than I expected, and it’s not even a sad book. It just hit the heart.
So this is now my favorite Peter Pan romance retelling. I’ve read a few, and they tend to be dark, gritty, smutty and conscience-less, like growing up means not caring for your consequences. This book instead argues that growing up means feeling the world’s biggest and hardest emotions. Leaving the woods and the lost boys means finding reasons you don’t want to play pretend anymore. Feeling the weight of adulthood.
And keeping your inner child intact means resisting anyone who tries to bully you into living life their preferred greedy way.
Watching these two experience these awakenings shook me. I related heavily to Peter, and at times to Everett too. Great book.
Spice: 2-3/5
Angst: 2/5
I cried at this more times than I expected, and it’s not even a sad book. It just hit the heart.
So this is now my favorite Peter Pan romance retelling. I’ve read a few, and they tend to be dark, gritty, smutty and conscience-less, like growing up means not caring for your consequences. This book instead argues that growing up means feeling the world’s biggest and hardest emotions. Leaving the woods and the lost boys means finding reasons you don’t want to play pretend anymore. Feeling the weight of adulthood.
And keeping your inner child intact means resisting anyone who tries to bully you into living life their preferred greedy way.
Watching these two experience these awakenings shook me. I related heavily to Peter, and at times to Everett too. Great book.
Spice: 2-3/5
Angst: 2/5
March 6, 2025
What a sweet read. Everett is in the city working in advertising. Unfortunately his boss takes all the credit for the work he did. When he was reminded that he had three weeks of vacation, he decided to go to Cedar Landing to stay at his grandmothers house. While there he kept thinking about his old friend Peter. Peter is one of the lost kids when he befriended Everett when they were young. When they finally reconnected and Everett realizes what happened, he was so happy to have his friend back. Great low angst, sweet, Peter Pan retelling of two friends falling in love. Cannot wait to read more.
September 4, 2025
This is a really sweet take on the Peter Pan tale. I loved the idea of Peter and the Lost Children having a fae reasoning and that not all the children end up lost, but eventually find their way back to growing up on their own. The authors did an impressive job on Peter, navigating a character that is growing up rather suddenly who both knows so little yet ends up knowing himself so well. Everett and Peter are a lovely couple and you can really feel the connection between them. You won’t find high stakes in this book, but if you’re in the mood for a sweet love story with its own supernatural take, this is a great read.
March 2, 2025
This book! Oh my goodness. There is just something about Peter and Emmett. Cider Landing has its definite quirks, and the random group of children mysteriously disappearing into the woods near town is one of them. Emmett has missed Peter since they he moved away. He has no idea Peter started to grow up for him. Now years later, Emmett is back and wondering what happened to his only friend. I loved the book Never Darling and now I am thrilled to read Emmet and Peter’s story. I also enjoyed how the books got tied together.
March 10, 2025
After the peek at their relationship in Never Darling, it's so good to see that Emmett and Peter's story gets it's time to shine! It's a sweet story of young love, loss, and refinding that piece of your heart and soul you lost so many years before. I will say you definitely want to read Never Darling before Never Landing since there's some mild spoilers. It was interesting to see more of the Lost Kids and hope there'll be other stories for some of them. All in all I highly recommend this book!
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
March 12, 2025
Peter Pan reimagined
This was a wonderful story filled with faires, magic, finding old friends and love.
Best friends as kids, life separated them.
Everett grew up and lived life but that didn't happen for Peter.
When they're reunited, Peter has dreams of things being just like the past but that's not what happens because Everett has lots of questions.
I really enjoyed seeing them take things slowly and really get to know one another again and Peter finding out more about his magic.
This was a wonderful story filled with faires, magic, finding old friends and love.
Best friends as kids, life separated them.
Everett grew up and lived life but that didn't happen for Peter.
When they're reunited, Peter has dreams of things being just like the past but that's not what happens because Everett has lots of questions.
I really enjoyed seeing them take things slowly and really get to know one another again and Peter finding out more about his magic.
November 5, 2025
In this book, Everett is reaching the end of his rope with his boss taking credit for his work while doing none of it. So, he decides to take a spur of the moment trip back to Cider Landing to stay in the house his grandmother left him. When he gets there, he sees a boy that looks exactly like his best friend from when he was a kid.
The characters are great and balance each other out well. They learn from each other and grow together. I look forward to reading more from these authors.
The characters are great and balance each other out well. They learn from each other and grow together. I look forward to reading more from these authors.
March 12, 2025
This was so, so sweet, and low angst, and gentle, and generally beautiful. Sort of a prequel to Never Darling, this is Everett and Peter's story. They met when Everett was young, and began to test out growing up, together. When they meet again they are able to fully grow up, together, into the people they want to be.
March 9, 2025
Very intriguing read
Children that are taken and live in the wooded areas. They only start to age when they leave the woods. What's a guy to think when he sees his best friend after 15 years, but that friend still looks 14? Very intriguing read for sure.
Children that are taken and live in the wooded areas. They only start to age when they leave the woods. What's a guy to think when he sees his best friend after 15 years, but that friend still looks 14? Very intriguing read for sure.
June 3, 2025
Sweetly romantic
This is the kind of Love story we can all hope for in our lives. The very unlikely chance to go back and realize our first loves and first crushes. That many of us dream of actually being able to relive, repair, reminisce or even possibly make real.
This is the kind of Love story we can all hope for in our lives. The very unlikely chance to go back and realize our first loves and first crushes. That many of us dream of actually being able to relive, repair, reminisce or even possibly make real.
June 15, 2025
While a cute concept, the story felt a little rushed. There were too many things that the main character kinda just...brushes past without a second thought. I feel like with a few more chapters fleshing out the character's internal struggles it could've been better
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2025
this is probably my favorite thing they’ve ever written
March 16, 2025
3/15/25 - 3.50
March 17, 2025
4.5 stars
“I wanted to kiss him and hold him and let my heart fly.”
Awww, I adore this retelling of Peter Pan. Peter and Everett are precious and I really, really want to visit Cider Landing.
“I wanted to kiss him and hold him and let my heart fly.”
Awww, I adore this retelling of Peter Pan. Peter and Everett are precious and I really, really want to visit Cider Landing.
April 8, 2025
I loved this book when I first read it but Greg Boudreaux brought it to vivid life. The scene between Peter and Ezra brought me to bittersweet tears. Peter and Everett were just perfect together!
April 21, 2025
I really enjoyed Greg’s performance. This is the first Peter Pan retelling I’ve listened to and I wasn’t disappointed. This was a sweet story and pulled me in instantly.
April 27, 2025
This was such a sweet retelling of Peter Pan! Sweet, low angst, second chance, first time, small town romance, with a bit of heat and a lot of warm fuzzies.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews